06-14-2012, 09:06 PM
Hi group.
I used some old Atlas turn outs that I had and I was going to change them out, but I found out the new throw bars are available from Atlas so I thought I would fix the older ones so the trains track better through them. First I carefully cut the tops of the rivets that hold the points to the throw bar. I used a Dremmel cutting wheel and was careful to only hit the rivet head. I used the cutting edge perpendicular to the rivet head. The wheel actually spins the rivet so the head cuts evenly
Next I drilled a hole through the base board between the throw bar ties and cut it out square using a sharp 1/4 inch wood chisel. (the points can be carefully moved out of the way for this step, move to one side, then to the other)
I then took a file and notched the stock rails so the points would set back in the rail when they are closed. This keeps the wheels from picking the points. The new Atlas turnouts are made this way so it isn't my idea. Then I used one of the new throw bars that the point rivet holes snap into.
It really makes them quite dependable, and with the under table throws I'm building they look pretty good. More pictures later.
I used some old Atlas turn outs that I had and I was going to change them out, but I found out the new throw bars are available from Atlas so I thought I would fix the older ones so the trains track better through them. First I carefully cut the tops of the rivets that hold the points to the throw bar. I used a Dremmel cutting wheel and was careful to only hit the rivet head. I used the cutting edge perpendicular to the rivet head. The wheel actually spins the rivet so the head cuts evenly
Next I drilled a hole through the base board between the throw bar ties and cut it out square using a sharp 1/4 inch wood chisel. (the points can be carefully moved out of the way for this step, move to one side, then to the other)
I then took a file and notched the stock rails so the points would set back in the rail when they are closed. This keeps the wheels from picking the points. The new Atlas turnouts are made this way so it isn't my idea. Then I used one of the new throw bars that the point rivet holes snap into.